Bacchus Marsh

Bacchus Marsh lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Bacchus Marsh is estimated at around 8,157 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,808 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,860 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 744 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bacchus Marsh has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 2,109 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 29.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bacchus Marsh among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bacchus Marsh recorded around 31 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 158 homes. As of FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 7.1 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually between FY21 and FY25. This supply lagging demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $431,000. Commercial development approvals totalled $3.6 million in FY26, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh has 85.0% fewer construction approvals per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density nature. With around 247 people per dwelling approval, Bacchus Marsh exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 2,420 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Bacchus Marsh has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that may affect the region. Notable ones include Bacchus Marsh Central, Bacchus Marsh Grammar - Maddingley Campus Expansion, Summerfield North Estate, and Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Masterplan Redevelopment (Stages 2 & 3). The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Bacchus Marsh has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Bacchus Marsh has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year. There are 4,262 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 22.9% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services employ only 6.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force grew by 5.4%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bacchus Marsh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Bacchus Marsh had a median income among taxpayers of $52,022 with an average level standing at $65,597. This is slightly lower than national averages which were $57,688 and $75,164 for Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,314 (median) and $71,009 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes rank at the 36th percentile, family incomes at the 40th percentile, and personal incomes at the 43rd percentile in Bacchus Marsh. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 32.2% of residents (2,626 people), reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Bacchus Marsh is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Bacchus Marsh, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.5% houses and 15.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bacchus Marsh stood at 34.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (26.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $330, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bacchus Marsh's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bacchus Marsh features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.1 percent of all households, including 25.4 percent couples with children, 27.9 percent couples without children, and 12.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.9 percent, with lone person households at 30.7 percent and group households making up 1.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Bacchus Marsh aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 14.1% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 37.8% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (26.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.4%), secondary education (7.0%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Bacchus Marsh has 31 active public transport stops. These are serviced by two routes offering a total of 576 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 269 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, primarily using cars (90%). On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 22.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 82 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bacchus Marsh is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Bacchus Marsh faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover was at approximately 53% of the total population (~4,305 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis were the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.8 and 9.3% of residents respectively. However, 63.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents showed above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area had 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,859 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors presented some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Bacchus Marsh ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bacchus Marsh had a cultural diversity rating below average, with 88.4% of its population being Australian citizens, 83.4% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.8% of Bacchus Marsh's population. However, the most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which constituted 2.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 28.7%, Australian at 27.1%, and Irish at 10.2%. Notably, Maltese (2.4%), Polish (0.9%), and Scottish (8.9%) ethnicities had higher representations than their regional averages.

Bacchus Marsh's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Bacchus Marsh is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Bacchus Marsh at 9.2%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.6% to 9.2% of Bacchus Marsh's population, and the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.3% to 14.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Bacchus Marsh, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 47%, reaching 1,270 people from 864.